Two-Lane Blacktopfor wind ensemble

Program Notes

“Two-Lane Blacktop” is an homage to the open road and the distant horizon. Inspired by Mary Heilmann’s abstract painting of the same name, this short work for wind ensemble is a similarly abstract etude about tempo, rhythm, and movement. An opening ascending gesture is heard throughout that represents “gear shifts” that alternate with increasingly complex variations on a three-note motive. The contrasting center section employs a soaring saxophone melody that depicts the timeless feeling of driving through the Utah desert. Finally, the variations build to maximum complexity only to collapse into a single intense acceleration.